Rhode Island General Laws Title 33. Probate Practice and Procedure § 33-1.1-11. Insurance proceeds

(a) Insurance proceeds payable to the slayer as the beneficiary or assignee of any policy or certificate of insurance on the life of the decedent or as the survivor of a joint life policy, even though such policy or certificate was procured and maintained by the slayer and even though he or she paid all the premiums, shall be paid as if the slayer had predeceased the insured.

(b) If the decedent is beneficiary or assignee of any policy or certificate of insurance on the life of the slayer, the proceeds shall be paid to the estate of the decedent upon the death of the slayer, unless the policy names some person other than the slayer or his or her estate as alternate beneficiary, or unless the slayer, by naming a new beneficiary or assigning the policy, performs an act which would have deprived the decedent of his or her interest in the policy if he or she had been living.